An infant found abandoned inside a storage bin at the Planned Parenthood building Saturday morning had been alive at some point after being born, Winston-Salem police said Monday.

Police said they are still searching for the mother of the baby, described as a white female.

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Police said officers found the infant dead inside the bin during a security check at about 7 a.m.

"More than likely this was a live child. The child was born alive and we still dont know why that child died. But we do now know at some point the child was alive," Capt. David Clayton said.

A cause of death won't be available until the completion of an autopsy being performed at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, police said.

The health and well-being of the child's mother is also a concern, Clayton said, asking that family members, friends or acquaintances with information about the identity of the mother to call Crimestoppers at 727-2800.

"We do need to talk to you. We understand its a very uncomfortable circumstance -- a very tragic situation," Clayton said in a message he hoped would reach the mother of the child. "We know youre hurting as well. We want you to come forward and talk to us and well provide you with whatever assistance we can."

Clayton said by Monday afternoon they had received no calls with tips.

The woman faces charges if arrested. There are circumstances under which distressed mothers can abandon an infant and not face charges or be forced to provide any information.

"It would have been nice if this child was turned over properly. Maybe it would have saved its life," Lt. David Kiger said.

The North Carolina's Infant Abandonment Act allows mothers to voluntarily bring a child less than seven days old to a health care provider on duty at a hospital, district health department or a nonprofit community health center; to a law enforcement officer who is on duty at a police station or sheriff's department; to a social services worker who is on duty or at a local department of social services and; or a certified emergency medical service who is on duty or at a fire or medical services station.

"If more people knew this law existed I think it would save the lives of more children," Kiger said.